I haven't been to either but the differences between the two ryokan should be dramatic. you pay more for the better food and facilities in my experiences. if sampling great food is your first priority, I wouldn't hesitate to pick the Hiiragiya over the Motonago.

What the question should be is if you will be able to tell the differences between the two foods and services. If you stay at both you will be able to tell. If you only stay at one you will have an enjoyable memory either way cause you won't know what you missed

Aloha!

We have stayed at the Hiiragiya 4 times. The food was excellent including a western breakfast, if desired. We have also stayed in a variety of rooms and from the smallest to largest the service was kind and caring.Adding to the experience was the hands on owner. We have not stayed at Motonago.'
Enjoy your trip.

Judging by the photos at japaneseguesthouses.com the Hiragiya has much nicer rooms. The description of Hiragiya specifically says that they serve Kyoto-style kaiseki meals. Hiragiya allows for reserving the bath.

That price of 40,000 yen for Hiragiya is in the lowest of the three ranges for that place. I wonder if the rooms are at Hiragiya or at Hiragiya Bekkan (Hiragiya Annex). If at the annex, then I wonder if the photos are what you would get.

I would like to see a picture and/or description of the meals, especially, if paying $200 or more for a meal, per person (that is my guess at how it breaks out - 150 for the room and 250 for the meal or 200/200). Compared with say, 80 for the room and 120 for the meal at Motonago (again, I am guessing and would appreciate knowing if this is about right).

I think you can go online and get a good description and photos of exactly what a Kyoto-style kaiseki dinner would be.

our kaiseki dinner at hiiragiya was 14 courses and lasted a while ... it was pretty memorable ... if motonago is NOT offering kaiseki dinner, it's not worth the price ... if it is, i'd be suspicious since kaiseky dinners alone cost $150-$200 per person